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THE SENTIMENTAL 
SONG BOOK 



BY 

JULIA A. MOORE 

**THE SWEET SINGER OF MICHIGAN" 



N*w f ark 

THE PLATT & PECK CO. 






Copyright, 1912 
By THE PLATT & PECK CO. 



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v^CU312860 



^^ ^ PREFACE 

'■■\ 

This little book is composed of truthful 
pieces. All those which speak of being killed, 
died or drowned, are truthful songs; others 
are "more truth than poetry." They are all 
composed by the author. 

I was born in Plainfield, and lived there un- 
til I was ten years of age. Then my parents 
moved to Algoma, where they have lived until 
the present day, and I live near them, one mile 
west of Edgerton. 

JULIA A. MOORE. 



CONTENTS 

PAGE 

The Author's Early Life i 

Centennial 5 

John Robinson 7 

The Brave Page Boys 1 1 

Grand Rapids 15 

Temperance Reform Clubs 17 

Hiram Helsel 21 

Beautiful Twenty-Second 23 

William Upson 25 

Dear Love, Do You Remember ? 28 

Hurrah for Cooper and Cary 30 

My Infant Days 33 

Roll On Time, Roll On 35 

Minnie's Departure 37 

Lois House 39 

The Brave Volunteer 43 

Little Andrew 45 

William House and Family 47 

The Orphan's Friend 51 

The Two Brave Soldiers 53 

Early Days of Rockford 57 

Grand Rapids Cricket Club 59 

Little Henry 61 

Be Kind to the Little Ones 65 



CONTENTS 

PAGE 

Red Ribbon dj 

Carrie Monro 69 

Little Minnie 7i- 

Centennial Celebration , 75 

Maryette Myers 78 

The Dear Old Flag 81 

Libby Prison 83 

Hattie House 85 

Little Susan 88 

Young Henry 90 

Ashtabula Disaster 93 



INTRODUCTION 

It is given to few of us to be unfailingly 
entertaining in a high degree. This faculty, 
combined with a profound sympathy for one's 
fellow-man in the different phases of his Hfe 
and the varying degrees of his fortune, is as 
rare as genius itself. It is, in fact, genius of 
a kind so unusual that we fail to recognize it. 

Many a poet with a true ^i ft of song is not 
a hearty companion. Instead of stimulating in 
us cheer, buoyancy, good nature or humor, he 
arouses in us gloom, depression, and pessi- 
mism. Further, he often reveals himself to be 
as capable of a witticism as a grindstone is of 
playing a tune. This is less his fault than his 
misfortune. But if we peruse his verse and 
suffer from his pessimism, it becomes our mis- 
fortune too, and we rebel at the injustice of it, 
for it is not our fault. Thus it happens that 
poetry is unpopular with many of us. We are 
not fully assured that we are running a safe 
risk by approaching it. We look askance at it. 



iv Introduction 



We suspect it; and if someone gives us a vol- 
ume of verse, we keep it as clean as possible 
until Minnie's birthday arrives, when we send 
it to her as a contribution to her future cul- 
ture — being thankful, meanwhile, that we do 
not need it for our own. 

The author of the poems in this volume 
possesses that rare quality of which we have 
spoken in the opening paragraph. She is un- 
failingly entertaining. The fortunes of her 
fellow-man are the very sinews of her verse. 
She has the true gift of song. In her most 
somber moments she never permits the smile 
she has coaxed to our lips to get so far away 
that we may not bring it back again at once, 
in the fullness of its amplitude. 

Even though the author of this volume was 
born in Michigan and 

"Moved to Algoma nearly twenty years ago," 

the real source of her inspiration is not that 
humble town. It came to her directly from 
Mount Olympus. Though the Greek gods and 
goddesses who occupied that abode were scat- 



Introduction 



tered over the earth long since, one of them 
fled to Michigan, and, like Persephone, re- 
mained concealed in the earth until the moment 
arrived to inspire the "Sweet Singer" of that 
state. 

We need not trace step by step the life of the 
poetess. In her opening chanson, entitled 
"The Author's Early Life," all the facts of the 
case are presented. Where do we find a more 
succinct account of a family than this? 

"I had two little sisters, 
And a brother, which made three." 

How naturally we say to ourselves 2 -f- 1=3, 
and noting that fact to be accurately conveyed 
by the writer, feel reassured as to the exact- 
ness of statement that it is possible to express 
in verse. Already our prejudice against poets 
in general and in particular, begins to dis- 
appear. 

Farther on, the simplicity of her girlhood 
life is brought strikingly before us : 

"And it was two miles from a schoolhouse, 
That's the distance I had to go, 
And how many times I traveled 
Through summer suns and winter snow." 



vi Introduction 



Reader, you will peruse the simple lines of 
this rhythmical biography with joy. All this 
happened in Michigan. Perhaps you may live 
there yourself, or you may have a friend in 
that state. There may be concealed in the soil 
of the earth for you, or for your friend, an- 
other Greek goddess. In all events, you will 
make your way through these simple expres- 
sions of early life, feeling that they are full 
of promise and suggestion. They possess that 
rare quality of imagery which is expressed so 
well in the beautiful Hues that Stevenson was 
so fond of quoting: 

"Bill, Bill, says I, 

Or words to that effect," 

Humble, simple, truthful, concealing nothing, 
we read on until the subtlety of it all steals 
into us, and lo, the next time we go moseying 
down the street, as Cy Warman says, we find 
ourselves repeating the closing lines : 

"And now kind friends, what I have wrote 

I hope you will pass o'er, 
And not criticise as some have done 
Hitherto herebefore." 



Introduction vii 



No other poet in English has ever attempted 
to express the feeHng of essential uncertainty 
that we find in the closing line. Ponder on it. 
When was hiterto herebefore? Was it yester- 
day, or Monday, or a week ago Tuesday ? You 
do not know, because this is the absolute zero 
of retreating to the rear. 

In 'The Cotter's Saturday Night," by Rob- 
ert Burns, the poet gradually introduces a 
whole family; father, mother, and, say, about 
three children. They come in gradually, with 
no pushing and hauling at the front door, with 
no struggle as to who shall get in first. But, 
reader, the poet succeeded in bringing them in, 
in an orderly manner because he was treating 
a small family — a family of jive. Turn, if 
you will, to the lyric in this volume, entitled 
"William House and Family." 

"They once had lived at Edgerton, 
They once had lived at Muskegon, 
From there they went to Chicago, 
Which proved their fatal overthrow." 

Note, if you will, the quantity necessary in the 
concluding line. Do not-hesitate to make it 



viii Introduction 



sound Shi-ca-go. A little farther on we read: 

"Two children died some years ago 
Before they went to Chicago." 

Let us pause a moment and consider the hero- 
ism of these two little ones. Can you not pic- 
ture them out back of the barn, discussing in 
their childish, philosophical way, the injury to 
the family pride of having to move to that 
reprehensible town ? And, having quietly dis- 
cussed the shame and confusion which would 
inevitably follow, can you not see them steal- 
ing back into the house, and creeping into their 
little beds, to die on the spot rather than leave 
Muskegon ? 

We have referred to Burns' delicate handling 
of a family of five. William House and family 
were eleven in number. We read toward the 
end that 

"Minnie and her mother lay in one bed." 

Charles comes in, and says : 

"Our Minnie is dead," 
and yet there is no crowding. 



Introduction ix 



We can only picture what another poet 
would have done with a family of eleven. Of 
course, it is necessary in order to bring the 
number down to a normal standard, for father 
to die. So we are informed that : 

"Charles helped the sexton, I am told, 
To lay his form in the coffin cold." 

What other poet could have done as well with 
so large a dramatis personse? 

The two distinctive qualities of a poet, are 
creation, and the capacity to take from the 
world of material things new and startHng ob- 
jects with which to arouse the mind of the 
reader. There is a striking instance of this 
in this volume. We refer to the poem "John 
Robinson." John went to California, and after 
failing fortunes, writes home, thus : 

"Dear brother, will you please 

Some money to me send, 
For if I stay my life is short. 
For the air disagrees with me." 

Brother Will reads the letter, and exclaims : 

"Dear Srother, he shall soon return, 
For»I will go and fetch him." 



X Introduction 



But, in the meantime, John is fighting the great 
fight alone. 

"For he was sick and very bad, 
Poor boy, he thought, no doubt, 
If he came home in a smoking car 
His money would hold out." 

There are not merely rhyme and rhythm in this 
stanza — there is something so subtle that it 
may escape the attention of the average reader : 
the thrifty decision to pass away in a smoking 
car and save the expense of performing that 
act in the next coach, should not be overlooked, 
for John could not die more successfully, even 
in a Pullman. This is the only book of poems 
available that carries a reference to a club- 
smoker. 

The gift of humor is a pleasant thing. How 
charming it is to meet one who holds a peanut 
concealed in one hand behind his back, and 
begs you to guess in which one it is. There is 
a line, here and there in this volume that, in the 
haste of modern life, no one should read too 
hurriedly. In the poem entitled "Little 
Andrew," we are told : 



Introduction xi 



"One bright and pleasant morning, 

His uncle thought it would be nice 
To take his dear little nephew 
Down to play upon ." 

Now, at the point where the quotation is so 
suddenly interrupted, anyone responsive to 
poetry would close the eyes and finish the line 
by adding the words 

"the ice." 

But, no, our Singer is in a playful mood. She 
smiles at our guess, and then opens the hand. 
Were we right? Not a bit of it. The missing 
words are : 

"a raft." 

Once again we find a similar instance, one in 
which the poet will not permit the reader's 
mind to have its own way. Note the peculiar 
turn given to the fourth line, after you have 
guessed what is to come. 

"Many a man joined a club 

That never drank a drachm, 
Those noble men were kind and brave, 
They do not care ." 



xii Introduction 



What gentleman — in fact, what lady — would 
fail to supply the proper close to this line? 
And yet, however naturally the words spring 
to the lips, the fact of the matter is : 

"They do not care for slang" 

Geoffrey Chaucer, A. D. 1300 and something 
or other, packed a good many surprises away 
in his book called 'The Canterbury Tales," 
but Geoffrey never thought' of either of the 
above appplications of the sense of humor. 
As our poet employs it, she not only conveys 
information, but she brings the mind up with 
a jerk. We look around quickly to see what 
made the noise, and feel instinctively for our 
money and our watch. 

Few poets can produce this effect upon us, 
unless we meet them personally. 

Dear reader if you are a man 
The Sweet Singer of Michigan 
Will give you joy and make you guess 
The world has one great poetess. 
If you're a lady, by whatever name, 
The result will be as before the same. 
With this book, O do not part, 
For it was wrote by a true heart. 



Introduction xiii 



And when you die leave it to your dear boy 

So he may grow to be a man 

And love the Sweet Singer of Michigan, 

U. S. A. in the Middle West, 

Where in the town of Algoma, 

So many years ago 

They bought one hundred acres of land, 

That's a good-sized farm, you know. 

And where their daughter, Julia A. Moore, 

Sang sweet songs of rich and poor; 

Sweet songs that yestereve or to-morrow 

Bring forth tears — but not of sorrow. 

Love these songs — learn them by heart, 

But with this book, O do not part. 

T. 



The Sentimental Song Book 



THE AUTHOR'S EARLY LIFE 

I WILL write a sketch of my early life. 

It will be of childhood day, 
And all who chance to read it, 

No criticism, pray. 
My childhood days were happy, 

And it fills m}^ heart with woe. 
To muse o'er the days that have passed by 

And the scenes of long ago. 

In the days of my early childhood, 

Kent county was quite wild. 
Especially the towns I lived in 

When I was a little child. 
I will not speak of my birthplace, 

For if you will only look 
O'er the little poem, My Childhood Days, 

That is in this little book. 

I am not ashamed of my birthright. 
Though it was of poor estate. 

Many a poor person in our land 
Has risen to be great. 



2 The Sentimental Song Book 

]VIy parents were poor, I know, kind friends. 

But that is no disgrace; 
They were honorable and respected 

Throughout my native place. 

My mother was an invalid, 

And was for many a year, 
And I being the eldest daughter 

Her life I had to cheer. 
I had two little sisters, 

And a brother which made three, 
And dear mother being sickly, 

Their care it fell on me. 

My parents moved to Algoma 

Near twenty-three years ago, 
And bought one hundred acres of land, 

That's a good sized farm you know. 
It was then a wilderness, 

With tall forest trees abound, 
And it was four miles from a village. 

Or any other town. 



The Sentimental Song Book 

And it was two miles from a schoolhouse. 

That's the distance I had to go, 
And how many times I traveled 

Through summer suns and winter snow. 
How well do I remember 

Going to school many a morn, 
Both in summer and in winter, 

Through many a heavy storm. 

My heart was gay and happy, 

This was ever in my mind, 
There is better times a coming. 

And I hope some day to find 
Myself capable of composing. 

It was my heart's delight, 
To compose on a sentimental subject 

If it came in my mind just right. 

If I went to school half the time, 

It was all that I could do ; 
It seems very strange to me sometimes, 

And it may seem strange to you. 



4 The Sentimental Song Book 

It was natural for me to compose, 
• And put words into rhyme, 
And the success of my first work 
Is this little song book of mine. 

My childhood days have passed and gone, 

And it fills my heart with pain 
To think that youth will nevermore 

Return to me again. 
And now kind friends, what I have wrote, 

I hope you will pass o'er, 
And not criticise as some have done, 

Hitherto herebefore. 



The Sentimental Song Book 



CENTENNIAL 

Come all ye friends of Liberty, 

Who love our good old nation, 
Let hands and hearts united be, 

And beat the wide creation. 
For this is our Centennial year. 

The birthday of our nation ; 
For it is just one hundred years 

That's stood our good old nation. 

CHORUS 

Centennial ! Centennial ! 

Hurrah to the Centennial; 
And many, many people gone 

To our national Centennial. 



To Philadelphia people went, 
And more was sure to go, sir; 

They say there was things to be seen 
Of a hundred years ago, sir. 



6 The Sentimental Song Book 

Come all ye sons of liberty, 
That love our good old nation, 

Unite and keep our country free, 
And the stars and stripes a waving. 

The revolutionary war was fought 

To gain our independence, 
That we a nation great may be. 

Both free and independent. 
They fought the British, far and near, 

For freedom, and they gained it — 
In Centennial years of Jubilee, 

Let Columbia's sons maintain it. 



The Sentimental Song Book 



JOHN ROBINSON 
Air— TA^ Drunkard" 

Come listen, friends, and hear a song, 

It is a doleful one, 
About a young man, dead and gone — 

He died far away from home. 
John Robinson this young man's name, 

His age I cannot tell. 
And he was loved by all his friends. 

And he was known full well. 



His father and mother being dead, 

It left him an orphan boy. 
When he was with his brother 

His health failed him, poor boy. 
Kind friends they thought 'twould do him good 

To travel for his health; 
To California he did go 

With his Uncle Zera French. 



8 The Sentimental Song Book 

He was not gone but a short time 
When a letter his friends received; 

It told how homesick Johnny was, 
How he for home did grieve. 

It said that he was getting worse. 
And his money was nearly gone, 

And if he did not soon return 
' Never more would he see home. 



It said, "Dear Brother, will you please 

Some money to me send. 
For I fear I have not got enough 

To bring me back again. 
The doctor says I must soon return, 

If I wish my home to see. 
For if I stay my life is short, 

For the air disagrees with me." 



His brother Will the letter read. 
It made his eyes grow dim. 

"Dear brother, he shall soon return, 
For I will go and fetch him." 



The Sentimental Song Bock 



This brother dear was very kind; 

With mone}', he went with haste 
For to bring him home again, 

But Oh ! he went too late. 



For he was sick, and very bad — 

Poor boy, he thought, no doubt, 
If he came home in a smoking car 

His money would hold out. 
He started to come back alone — 

He came one-third the way — 
One evening in the car alone 

His spirit fled away. 



No friend was near to speak to him, 

Or hear his dying moan; 
How sad, how sad it must have been 

To die there all alone; 
No loving friends to soothe his brow, 

Or ease his weary form ; 
Poor soul, poor soul is now at rest. 

For his soul to heaven has gone. 



10 The Sentimental Song Book 

Telegraph dispatch was sent his friends- 
How sad were they to hear — 

How their loved one died all alone, 
In a car with no one near. 

The brother brought his body home 
To his friends that loved him best. 

He's sleeping in their grave yard now 
Let peace be e'er his rest. 



The Sentimental Song Book ii 



THE BRAVE PAGE BOYS 

Air — " The Fierce Discharge" 

In the late rebellion war, 
Grand Rapids did send out 

As brave and noble volunteers 
As ever went down south: 

Among them were the brave Page boys- 
Five brothers there were in all; 

They enlisted and went down south, 
To obey their country's call. 

John S. Page was the eldest son- 
He went down south afar, 

And enUsted in the Mechanics, 
And served his time in the war. 

Fernando Page the second son; 
Served irr-the Infantry ; 

He was wounded, lost both his feet 
On duty at Yorktown siege. 



12 The Sentimental Song Book 

Charles F. Page was a noble son — 

In sixty- four did enlist, 
And in the same year he was killed 

In the fight of the Wilderness. 
This brave boy was carrying the flag, 

To cheer his comrades on. 
He fought in the Eight Infantry; 

Now he, brave boy, is gone. 



'Tis said of this brave soldier boy — 

Twas just before he died — 
Stood the flag standard in the ground, 

Laid down by it and died. 
The friends that loved this noble boy, 

How sad were they to hear 
Of his death on a battle field; 

His age was twenty years. 



James B. Page was a fine young man — • 

He went in the artillery ; 
He served his time with all the rest, 

To keep his country free. 



The Sentimental Song Bock 13 

Enos Page the youngest brother — 

His age was fourteen years — 
Made five sons in one family, 

Went from Grand Rapids, here. 



When Enos Page went from his home. 

He was only a boy, you know ; 
He stole away from his mother dear 

For he was bound to go. 
She followed him to the barracks twice. 

And took him home again ; 
She found it was no use — at last 

With friends let him remain. 



In Eight Michigan Cavalry 

This boy he did enlist ; 
His life was almost despaired of. 

On account of numerous fits, 
Caused by drinking water poisoned — 

Effects cannot outgrow ; 
In northern Alabama, I hear, 

There came this dreadful blow. 



14 The Sentimental Song Book 

How joyful were the parents of 

Those noble soldier boys, 
There was one missing of the five, 

When they returned from war. 
The one that carried the Union flag 

Lies in a Southern grave, 
The other brothers came back home 

To Grand Rapids, their native place. 



The Sentimental Song Book 15 



GRAND RAPIDS 
Air—'' Bright Alfaretta " 

Wild roved the Indians once 

On the banks of Grand River, 
And they built their little huts 

Down by that flowing river. 
In a pleasant valley fair, 

Where flows the river rapid, 
An Indian village once was there, 

Where now stands Grand Rapids. 



Indian girls and boys were seen, 

With their bow and quiver, 
Riding in their light canoes 

Up and down the river. 
Their hearts were full of joy, 

Happy voices singing 
Made music with forest birds, 

They kept the valley ringing. 



i6 The Sentimental Song Book 

Indians have left and gone 

Beyond the Mississippi. 
They called the river Owashtenong 

Where stands this pleasant city. 
Louis Campau the first white man 

Bought land in Grand Rapids. 
He lived and died, an honored man 

By people of Grand Rapids. 

When Campau came to the valley 

No bridge was across the river; 
Indians in their light canoes 

Rowed them o'er the water. 
Railroads now from every way 

Run through the city, Grand Rapids ; 
The largest town in west Michigan 

Is the city of Grand Rapids. 



The Sentimental Song Book 17 

TEMPERANCE REFORM CLUBS 

Air—" Perhaps " 

Some enterprising people, 

In our cities and towns, 
Have gone to organizing clubs 

Of men that's fallen down; 
In estimation fallen low — 

Now they may rise again, 
And be respected citizens 

Throughout our native land. 

CHORUS 

The temperance reform club, 

Forever may it stand, 
And everyone that loves strong drink 

Pray, join it heart and hand. 
Then many a home will be bright. 

And many a heart made glad, 
It will be the greatest blessing 

This nation ever had. 



1 8 The Sentimental Song Book 

Manufacturers of strong drink 

Can find better employ. 
Than bring to ruin poor families, 

And thousand souls destroy, 
Likewise proprietors of saloons 

Lose many a customer; 
Those men now rather stay at home, 

That place they now prefer. 

Chorus : — 

Don't be ashamed to wear your badge 

Of ribbon on your breast, 
It shows you've joined the club to be 

A man among the rest. 
Your kindred friends will love to see 

You honored, sober man, 
And all the friends that wish you well 

Will help you if they can. 

Chorus : — 

Perhaps you have a mother, 

Likewise a sister, too; 
Perhaps you have a sweetheart 

That thinks the most of you. 



The Sentimental Song Book 19 

Perhaps you have a loving wife, 

And little ones at home, 
Their hearts rejoice to see that you 

Can let strong drink alone. 
Chorus : — 

Many a man joined the club 

That never drank a drachm, 
Those noble men were kind and brave 

They care not for the slang — 
The slang they meet on every side: 

^'You're a reform drunkard, too; 
You've joined the red ribbon brigade, 

Among the drunkard crew." 
Chorus : — 

It shows their hearts were very kind, 

They wished to save poor souls 
That loved the intoxication cup, 

That signed the temperance roll. 
Dear friends, ever keep rolling 

The work you have begun, 
Those noble men will not repent, 

I hope, throughout our land. 
Chorus : — 



20 The Sentimental Song Book 

Dr. Reynolds is a noble man, 

He has worked hard to save 
Some people in our cities and towns, 

From out a drunkard's grave. 
There is other men to help him now, 

He lectures not alone 
Many a heart that blesses them 

From out now happy homes. 

Chorus : — 



The Sentimental Song Book 21 

HIRAM HELSEL 
Air — "Three Grains of Corn" 

Once was a boy, age fifteen years, 

Hiram Helsel was his name. 
And he was sick two years or so ; 

He has left this world of pain; 
His friends they miss this lovely boy, 

That was patient, kind and brave. 
He left them all for him to mourn — 

He is sleeping in his grave. 



H(» was a small boy of his age, 

When he was five years or so 
Was shocked by lightning while to play 

And it caused him not to grow, 
He was called Httle Hi. Helsel 

By all friends that knew him well — 
His life was sad, as you shall hear. 

And the truth to you I'll tell. 



22 The Sentimental Song Book 

His parents parted when he was small, 

And both are married again. 
How sad it was for them to meet 

And view his last remains. 
He was living with his father then, 

As many a friend can tell; 
*Tis said his father's second wife 

That she did not use him well. 

Just before little Hiram died— 

His uncle and aunt were there — 
He kissed them both — bid them farewell. 

They left him with a prayer. 
Now he is gone, Oh ! let him rest ; 

His soul has found a haven, 
For grief and woe ne'er enters there, 

In that place called heaven. 



The Sentimental Song Book 23 

BEAUTIFUL TWENTY-SECOND 
To Original Music 

The people in this nation, 

Have kept for many years, 
February twenty-second, 

That day we love it^ dear. 
It^s our forefather's birthday, 

Brave, noble Washington ; 
And may we ever keep it. 

Through all the years to come. 

CHORUS 

Beautiful twenty-second. 
Beautiful twenty-second. 
May the people ever keep it. 
Beautiful twenty-second. 

One of the constitution builders. 

Was that brave, noble man. 
He fought under that dear flag 

That's loved throughout our land. 



24 The Sentimental Song Book 

He went through many battles. 

He fought for liberty, 
That this glorious republic 

A nation great may be. 

Chorus — 

Oh, keep the twenty-second, 

In honor to his name. 
Who fought to gain our freedom 

From England's British chains. 
Now he is sweetly sleeping. 

Brave, noble Washington, 
May the people not forget him, 

Columbia's noblest son. 

Chorus — 



The Sentimental Song Book 25 

WILLIAM UPSON 

Air—" The Majors Only Son " 

Come all good people, far and near, 
Oh, come and see what you can hear. 
It's of a young man, true and brave. 
Who is now sleeping in his grave. 

Now, William Upson was his name — 
If it's not that it's all the same — 
He did enlist in the cruel strife. 
And it caused him to lose his life. 

He was Jesse Upson's eldest son, 
His father loved his noble son; 
This son was nineteen years of age. 
In the rebellion he engaged. 

His father said that he might go, 
But his dear mother she said no. 
''Stay at home, dear Billy," she said, 
But oh, she could not turn his head. 



26 The Sentimental Song Book 

For go he would, and go he did — 
He would not do as his mother bid. 
For he went away down South, there 
Where he could not have his mother's care. 

He went to Nashville, Tennessee, 
There his kind friends he could not see ; 
He died among strangers, far away, 
They knew not where his body lay. 

He was taken sick and Uved four weeks, 
And oh, how his parents weep, 
But now they must in sorrow mourn, 
Billy has gone to his heaven home. 

If his mother could have seen her son, 

For she loved him, her darling one, 

If she could heard his dyings prayer. 

It would ease her heart tiirshe met him there. 

It would relieved his mother's heart, 

To have seen her son from this world depart. 

And hear his noble words of love, 

As he left this world for that above. 



The Sentimental Song Book 27 



It will relieve his mother's heart, 
That her son is laid in our grave yard ; 
Now she knows that his grave is near, 
She will not shed so many tears. 

She knows not that it was her son, 
His coffin could not be opened — 
It might be some one in his place, 
For she could not see his noble face. 

He enrolled in eighteen sixty-three. 
The next day after Christmas eve; 
He died in eighteen sixty-four, 
Twenty-third of March, as I was told. 



28 The Sentimental Song Book 



DEAR LOVE, DO YOU REMEMBER? 

Dearest one, do you remember, 

As we sat side by side, 
How you told me that you loved me, 

Asked me to be your bride. 
And you told me we'd be happy. 

Through all the years to come, 
If we ever would prove faithful. 

As in the days when we were young. 



Oh! how well do I remember, 

The kind and loving words, 
And now as I sat dreaming, 

The thoughts my memory stirs. 
But the days have passed before me. 

And the scenes of long ago, 
But I can never forget the 

Days that have passed o'er. 



The Sentimental Song Book 29 

Oh ! how clearly I remember 

The days when we were young, 
How we would tell to each other 

Of happy times to come, 
And as we would sit together, 

That dear loved one and I, 
Oh, sat dreaming of the future, 

And childhood days gone by. 

Dearest love, do you remember 

The first time that we met — 
Our youthful days have gone, love, 

I hope you love me yet, 
Now we are growing old, love. 

Our. heads will soon be gray. 
May we ever love each other 

Till from earth we pass away. 



30 The Sentimental Song Book 



HURRAH FOR COOPER AND GARY 

Air — "Rally 'Round the Flag, Boys" 

We will rally in the city, 

We will gather from the farms, 

Shouting equalization, 

Greenbacks a legal tender. 

Then the poor will get along. 

The poor that dwell throughout our nation. 

CHORUS 

Three cheers for Gooper and Gary 

Hurrah, boys, hurrah; 
Three cheers for our nation, 

In peace and in war; 
If it were not for our laboring men. 

What would our nation do — 
Take this in consideration. 



The Sentimental Song Book 31 

It is now one hundred years, 

Or just one century, 
Stood grand this good old nation, 

And our forefathers fought 
That we may not be a slave — 

A slave to the monarchy of England. 



Revolutionary war was fought 
With the British, this we hear. 

To make this an independent nation; 
We, the independent men. 

We will not be a slave. 

To bond-holders in our nation. 



The Republicans are for gold, 

And the nation as it is; 
Take this in consideration. 

In eighteen seventy-nine 
Taxes must be paid in gold. 

If Hayes and Wheeler gain election. 



32 The Sentimental Song Book 

The Democrats are for gold, 

Reform and economy; 
What better off will be our nation, 

If Tilden and Hendricks, 
If they gain the day — 

Poor people will come to starvation. 

Come, freeman, now arise, 

Put your shoulder to the wheel 

This Presidential election; 
Vote for an independent man. 

One in favor of greenbacks. 
In this great financial question. 

Three cheers for Cooper and Cary, 
May they keep marching on — 

Marching with God upon the right, boys» 
May they conquer o'er their foes 

And the cursed money rings- 
Right will yet conquer might, boys. 



The Sentimental Song Book 33 



MY INFANT DAYS 

Air — " The Rain upon the Roof" 

When I was a little infant, 

And I lay in mother's arms, 
Then I felt the gentle pressure 

Of a loving mother's arms. 
"Go to sleep my little baby. 

Go to sleep," mamma would say; 
*'Oh, will not my little lady 

Go to sleep for ma to-day." 

Oh! my parents loved me dearly, 

For I was their eldest born. 
And they always called me Julia 

In a mild and loving form. 
My parents will not forget me, 

Though I married and left their home. 
For they can remember clearly 

How with them I once did roam. 



34 The Sentimental Song Book 

Oh! my mother, how I love her, 

Though her head is growing gray, 
Por in fancy I can see her 

Bending o'er me night and day, 
As she did when I was little, 

Watching me in sleep and play — 
Mother now is growing feeble, 

Now I will her love repay. 

Oh! my father, how I love him. 

For he has worked hard for mt^ 
For to earn my food and clothing. 

In my little infancy. 
And oh, I will not forget him. 

While on earth I do remain — 
May the God of heaven bless him 

In this world of grief and pain. 



The Sentimental Song Book 35 

ROLL ON TIME, ROLL ON 

Air — "Roll on, Silver Moon " 

Roll on time, roll on, as it always has done^ 
Since the time this world first begun; 

It can never change my love that I gave a 
dear man, 
Faithful friend, I gave my heart and hand. 

CHORUS 

Roll on time, roll on, it can never turn back 
To the time of my maiden days — 

To the time of my youth it can never turn back 
When I wandered with my love, bright and 
gay. - 

I was happy then as a girl could ever be. 
And live on this earth here below — 

I was happy as a lark and as busy as a bee, 
For in fashion or in style I did not go. 



36 The Sentimental Song Book 

My parents were poor and they could not dress 
me so, 
For they had not got the money to spare, 
And it may be better so, for I do not think 
fine clothes 
Make a person any better than they are. 

Some people are getting so they think a poor 

girl, 
Though she be bright and intelligent and 

gay, 
She must have nice clothes, or she is nothing 
in this world, 
If she is not dressed in style every day. 

Remember never to judge people by their 
clothes, 
For our brave, noble Washington said, 
^'Honorable are rags, if a true heart they en- 
close," 
And I found it was the truth when I 
married. 



The Sentimental Song Book 37 

MINNIE'S DEPARTURE 

Air — ''Mount Vernon " 

Dearest Minnie, she has left us, 
In this world of grief and woe, 

But 'tis God that has bereft us, 
He called her Httle soul to go. 

Minnie's gone to dwell in heaven, 
Where bright little angels reign. 

Her little soul has reached a haven 
Where there is no grief and pain. 

God will bless his little treasures. 
One by one, that come to Him ; 

Though she has left this world forever, 
We will put our trust in Him. 

Oh! we loved our little dear one. 
It's no human tongue can tell — 

God has called her to come to him, 
Yet he doeth all things well. 



38 The Sentimental Song Book 

Oh ! 'twas hard for us to leave her 
In her Httle grave so low — 

Leave that little silent sleeper. 
But 'tis there we all must go. 

Oh ! we miss our little treasure, 
And her loss we deeply feel — 

When we think she's gone forever, 
Tears there from our eyes will steal. 



The Sentimental Song Book 39 

LOIS HOUSE 
Air — "Saphrona's Farewell '' 

Come all ye young people of every degree, 
Come give your attention one moment to me ; 
It's of a young couple I now will relate, 
And of their misfortunes and of their sad fate. 

One was a young damsel, both blooming and 

fair, 
The other a young man, his beauty was rare ,* 
He loved this lady as he loved his own life — 
If God had not called her he would made her 

his wife. 

He courted her a long time in triumph and 

glee, 
But little did he think that she would soon 

leave, 
Leave him in sorrow, forsaken, alone. 
To mourn her departure, for she was going 

home: 



40 The Sentimental Song Book 

Going home to her Father, that dwelleth on 

high, 
Who gave her her Hfe and who caused her to 

die. 
And leave her true lover, one whom she could 

trust, 
To moulder her fair form a while in the dust. 

Lois House and Joy Morris were their names, 
I believe. 

They loved each other dearly and never de- 
ceived, 

But God he did part them, one which he laid 
low. 

The other He left with his heart full of woe. 

Joy laid her dying head on his bosom once 

more, 
Pressed her to his heart as he had oft done 

before, 
Saying "Dear Lois, are you going to leave 

mer 
"Yes, Joy, I can no longer stay here with 

thee!" 



The Sentimental Song Book 41 

"Oh ! Joy, can't you give me up, dearest," said 

she; 
"If you will say yes, love, I can leave in peace ; 
In heaven, love, I will be waiting for thee — 
Be true to our Savior — you'll soon follow me." 

"If I must say yes, love, for you to leave me — 
God will do better by you, Lois, than me; 
Oh ! it's hard for me, dearest, hard to say yes. 
It leaves me alone, love, in sad woefulness." 

"I want your picture, Joy, placed in my cold 

hand. 
And let it be buried with me in the ground ; 
It's all I can carry with me to the grave — 
Grant it to me, love, it's all that I crave." 

They called for her father and mother most 

dear. 
She kissed them and bade them farewell thro* 

their tears ; 
They called for her brother and sisters again. 
To kiss their sister while life still remain. 



42 The Sentimental Song Book 

"One kiss from you, Joy," she whispered so 

low. 
That no one in the room heard her, you know ; 
She gasped for her breath once or twice more, 
When lo! her spirit left her, and Lois is no 

more. 

They placed her fair form in the coffin so cold. 
And placed there Joy's picture as they had 

been told; 
They bore her to her grave, all were in sad 

gloom. 
And gently laid her down to rest in her tomb. 



The Sentimental Song Book 43 



THE BRAVE VOLUNTEER 

At the time of the rebellion 

Between the north and south. 
Many a noble volunteer 

Kent county did send out. 
Among them was Chyler Davis, 

He hailed from Oakfield town, 
He enlisted in the service, 

His native land to shield. 



This brave and noble volunteer, 

He left his home and friends. 
For he dearly loved his country, 

He went from Michigan. 
Not thinking when he went down south. 

The Federal ranks to fill. 
That he would lay in prisons, 

Belle Isle to Andersonville. 



44 The Sentimental Song Book 

In prison cells lamenting, 

For seventeen months he lay, 
Thinking of the dear ones 

At home so far away. 
He lay in prison suffering, 

No friend to hear him moan, 
A living, walking skeleton, 

He was when he came home. 

He was discharged in Kansas, 

The place called Fort Leavenworth, 
And he did return to Oakfield, 

The place he first went forth. 
How joyful were his parents 

When they saw their then lost one; 
The God of heaven was merciful 

To let return their son. 



The Sentimental Song Book 45 



LITTLE ANDREW 
Air — " Gypsy's Warning " 

Andrew was a little infant, 

And his life was two years old ; 
He was his parents' eldest boy, 

And he was drowned, I was told.. 
His parents never more can see him 

In this world of grief and pain. 
And Oh! they will not forget him 

While on earth they do remain. 

On one bright and pleasant morning 

His uncle thought it would be nice 
To take his dear little nephew 

Down to play upon a raft, 
Where he was to work upon it. 

An this little child would company be- 
The raft the water rushed around it, 

Yet he the danger did not see. 



46 The Sentimental Song Book 

This little child knew no danger — 

Its little soul was free from sin — 
He was looking in the water, 

When, alas, this child fell in. 
Beneath the raft the water took him 

For the current was so strong, 
And before they could rescue him 

He was drowned and was gone. 

Oh! how sad were his kind parents 

When they saw their drowned child, 
As they brought him from the water. 

It almost made their hearts grow wild. 
Oh! how mournful was the parting 

From that little infant son. 
Friends, I pray you, all take warning, 

Be careful of your little ones. 



The Sentimental Song Book 47 



WILLIAM HOUSE AND FAMILY 

Come all kind friends, both far and near. 
Come listen to me and you shall hear — 
It's of a family and their fate, 
All about them I will relate. 

They once did live at Edgerton, 
They once did live at Muskegon, 
From there they went to Chicago, 
Which proved their fatal overthrow. 

It was William House's family. 
As fine a family as you see — 
His family was eleven in all, 
I do not think it was very small. 

Two children died some years ago. 
Before they went to Chicago, 
Five children there he had with him. 
When death his home there enters in. 



48 The Sentimental Song Book 

The small-pox then was raging there, 
And Oh ! it would not their house spare. 
For all but one was sick of them, 
A dreadful house it must have been. 

The eldest girl was married then. 
The eldest boy was in Michigan, 
The second boy he was at home. 
And took care of them all alone. 

His father and his mother dear, 
And dear sister, too, I hear. 
Were very sick and in his care, 
And no kind friends to help him there: 

Two little brothers, and a baby too. 
Made six in all — what could he do. 
He had to take care of them all, 
The baby, too, was very small. 

As he would go to his father's bed, 
And try to soothe his aching head, 
"My son, I pray you leave me, do. 
Go take care of poor mother, too. 



The Sentimental Song Book 49 

"Your mother and sister need your care. 
And your little infant brother there; 
Oh! Charlie, Chadie, take care of them. 
My son, do all for them you can." 

It seemed as though he did not know 
That his poor soul so soon must go, 
And leave his little ones he loved, 
To go to that bright world above. 

But God he called his soul away, 
It had to leave, it could not stay — 
He never more on earth will be, 
His soul is from sin and sorrow free. 

Charles helped the sexton, I am told. 
To lay his form in the coffin cold — 
How sad, how sad, poor soul was he. 
When last his father's form did see. 

Minnie May House she had to go. 
And leave her friends that loved her so — 
She was a girl just in her teens, 
A lovely flower as e'er was seen. 



50 The Sentimental Song Book 

Minnie and her mother lay on one bed, 
And when Charles said, "our Minnie is dead/ 
His mother then she did grow wild, 
And early after knew her child. 

They buried Minnie by her father's side, 
And left them there where they had died — 
Charles took his mother and brothers then 

And brought them back to Michigan. 

I 

For the mother and the baby too, 
Kind friends did all that they could do. 
But those poor souls they could not save. 
For now they're sleeping in their grave. 

Oh! what a noble son was he. 
His age was then only sixteen — 
Charles House's name I have told befor 
God bless his soul forever more. 



The Sentimental Song Book 51 



THE ORPHAN'S FRIEND 

Come all kind, good people, 

With sympathizing hearts. 
Come listen to a few kind words 

A friend to you imparts. 
Be kind to an orphan child, 

And always be its friend, 
You will be happy in this world. 

And will be to the end. 



Be kind to the motherless. 

Little motherless ones. 
For God will forever bless 

You in this world to come. 
No kind and loving mother 

To soothe their little brow, 
Be kind to them always, friends, 

They have no mother now. 



52 The Sentimental Song Book 

Be kind to the fatherless, 

Wherever you may find 
One little one that is friendless, 

I pray you all be kind. 
For it has no loving father, 

To speak with mild reproof, 
Or guide its youthful footsteps 

In honesty and truth. 

Be kind to the little orphans, 

They have no parents dear; 
Be kind to the little orphans, 

Speak to them words of cheer, 
Then they will always love you 

For kind and gentle words. 
Then God will ever bless you. 

For He says so in His word. 



The Sentimental Song Book 53 



THE TWO BRAVE SOLDIERS 

Air — "The Texas Rangers '* 

My friends, I pray you listen, 

A story I will tell ; 
It's of two noble soldiers, 

And they were known full well; 
They were killed in the rebellion. 

As you shall plainly hear. 
Those brave and noble soldiers, 

No danger did they fear. 

They enlisted in Grand Rapids, 

In eighteen and sixty-two, 
'Twas in the month of August, 

About the middle, too; 
These two brave, noble soldiers. 

They joined the cavalry; 
They fought to save their country, 

United it yet may be. 



54 The Sentimental Song Book 

One of them, a single man, 

His name was Martin House; 
The other one was married. 

His name Til tell you now. 
Abram Bishop was his name; 

He was a christian man; 
Two soldiers, they were brave, and 

They hailed from Michigan. 



When they left their native place. 

Their friends to them did say ; 
"Oh ! do not go to war boys. 

You'd better with us stay ; 
For if you join the army. 

You never will return 
To all your friends that love you. 

You never will return." 



Young House spoke unto his friends 

"I'd rather go," said he, 
"I have no wife and children 

To weep and mourn for me. 



The Sentimental Song Book 55 

I hear my country calling 

For her sons of liberty, 
And I, for one must go, friends, 

A coward I cannot be. 



"We are not afraid of fighting 

The rebels, no, not we; 
They're bound to make our country 

A place for slaves to be. 
Our fathers fought before us. 

To gain our liberty, 
And we, the sons of freemen. 

Must fight to keep it free. 



"Farewell, farewell to all our friends 

That we may leave behind. 
If we do never return. 

We pray you bear in mind, 
If God sees fit to call us, 

We are not afraid to die; 
Our country, she is calling, 

We must bid you all good bye." 



56 The Sentimental Song Book 



It was in Old Virginia, 

Those noble soldiers fell, 
In the battle of Hanover town. 

As many a man can tell. 
They fought through many battles, 

Obeyed their captain's call, 
Alas ! the missiles struck them, 

And caused them both to fall. 



The Sentimental Song Book 57 



EARLY DAYS OF ROCKFORD 
Air — " Lucy Long " 

My friends, I pray you listen, 

I'll sing a little song, 
About the village of Rockford, 

It will not take me long; 
And how it was first settled 

By enterprising men, 
And all the news about it, 

ril tell you if I can. 

Situated in a wilderness, 

With forests all around, 
Thirteen miles from Grand Rapids, 

Is this flourishing town. 
On the banks of Rogue river. 

Where runs the water still, 
And in the early settled days. 

Was called Laphamville. 



58 The Sentimental Song Book 

First settled by Smith Lapham, 

In eighteen and forty-three. 
Then came the Hunter brothers 

To keep him company. 
Lapham and Hunter Brothers 

Built each a shingle mill. 
On the banks of Rogue river 

Are the same old buildings still. 

In the early days of Rockford 

They had to run a stage. 
They had no other conveyance 

To get from place to place. 
Now they go by railway, 

The cars run night and day; 
The early days of Rockford 

Have nearly passed away. 



The Sentimental Song Book 59 



GRAND RAPIDS CRICKET CLUB 

In Grand Rapids is a handsome club. 

Of men that cricket play, 
As fine a set of skillful men 

That can their skill display. 
They are the champions of the West, 

They think they are quite fine, 
TheyVe won a hundred honors well; 

It is their most cunning design. 



Brave Kelso," he's considered great. 

Chief of the club he is found ; 
Great crowds he draws to see him bowl 

The ball upon the ground. 
And Mr. Follet is very brave, 

A lighter player than the rest, 
He got struck severe at the fair ground 

For which he took a rest. 



6o The Sentimental Song Book 

When Mr. Dennis does well play, 

His courage is full great, 
And accidents to him occur. 

But not much, though, of late. 
This ball play is a dangerous game. 

Brave knights to play it though ; 
Those boys would be the nation's pride, 

If they to war would go. 

From Milwaukee their club did come. 

With thoughts of skill at play, 
But beat they was, and then went home — 

Had nothing more to say. 
Grand Rapids club that cricket play, * 

Will soon be known afar, 
Much prouder do the members stand, 

Like many a noble star. 



The Sentimental Song Book 6i 



LITTLE HENRY 
Am— "Minnie Lee" 

Oh ! COME listen to my story 

Of a little infant child — 
His spirit is in glory — 

It has left us for a while. 
Death has robbed us of our Henry, 

He is with our Savior now, 
Where there is no pain or sorrow 

Conies to cloud his little brow. 



CHORUS 

God has took their little treasure. 
And his name Til tell you now, 

He has gone from earth forever. 
Their little Charles Henry House. 



62 The Sentimental Song Book 

His cheeks were red as roses, 

And his eyes were black as coals, 
His little lips were red as rubies, 

And his little hair it curled. 
Oh, they called him little Charley, 

He was full of joyful mirth — 
Now his little form is lying 

'Neath the cold and silent earth. 



It was the eleventh of December, 

On a cold and windy day. 
Just at the close of evening, 

When the sunlight fades away; 
Little Henry he was dying. 

In his little crib he lay, 
With soft winds round him sighing 

From the morn till close of day. 



Parents, brothers, sisters weeping, 
For their cup of sorrow's full. 

And his little playthings keeping, 
That he thought so beautiful — 



The Sentimental Song Book 63 

Tears from parents' eyes were starting 

For their Httle loving one. 
Oh ! hov/ painful was the parting 

From their little infant son. 



Oh! how often have they kissed him. 

And caressed his little brow — 
To his Httle voice have listened, 

But his place is vacant now. 
They called him little Charley, 

And his loving name they called, 
But they could not keep their darling 

From the loving Savior's call. 



But they must now cease their mourning. 

His little soul is at rest. 
Where there can no storms of trouble 

Roll across his peaceful breast. 
Now his little form is sleeping 

In the cold and silent tomb, 
And his friends are left a weeping, 

In his dear and loving home. 



64 The Sentimental Song Book 

It was the eleventh of December, 

Eighteen seventy was the year, 
Kind friends will all remember — 

Silently let fall a tear. 
But we must not trouble borrow, 

For the God of heaven is just; 
No one knows a parent's sorrow, 

Till a child some friend have lost. 



The Sentimental Song Book 65 



BE KIND TO THE LITTLE ONES 
Air — "He Folds Them on His Bosom" 

Be kind to all little ones. 

All fathers, mothers dear, 
Be kind to your little ones, 

Their little hearts to cheer. 
For oh! you know not how soon 

Their place will vacant be; 
If God should call one to his home. 

Your conscience would be free. 

Their little forms are tender. 

They're at your mercy now; 
They need your kind attention 

To watch them every hour. 
While they are little infants, 

My friends, take time to spare: 
Do not forget an instant, 

To give them tender care. 



66 The Sentimental Song Book 

God, he never did intend ^ 

You to misuse your child; 
Their little souls to you he sends 

To bless you for awhile. 
And if you always will be kind 

To them, sweet little ones, 
Oh! what a blessing you will find 

In after years to come. 

You never, never will repent. 

Dear friend, for being kind; 
Those little ones to you were sent, 

And always bear in mind. 
That God may call your little ones 

And leave you here behind; 
Oh ! what a happy thought will come- 

I always have been kind. 



The Sentimental Song Book 67 



RED RIBBON 

The Red Ribbon is all the go; 
It's the temperance sign, you know; 
It is seen wherever you go, 

On men who dare do right. 

CHORUS 

Dare to do right, 
Dare to do right, 
Let your motto ever be 
Dare to do right. 

It's no disgrace to wear that badge 
Of red ribbon, dear youthful lad, 
Your mother's heart it will make glad 
To see you dare do right. 

Young friend, don't fail to sign the pledge. 
And don the badge of ribbon red, 
And leave some ways you have led. 
Always dare do right. 



68 The Sentimental Song Book 

Friends that love you is glad to see 
That you can let vile strong drink be; 
Their hearts rejoice in highest glee 
To see you dare do right. 

Three cheers for all red ribbon men. 
And also those that is their friend; • 
^God will be with you to the end, 
He's ever on the right. 



The Sentimental Song Book 69 ' 



CARRIE MONRO 

Am— " Belle Mahone" 

Once there was a lady fair, 
With black eyes and curly hair, 

She has left this world of care. 
Sweet Carrie Monro. 

CHORUS 

Sweet Carrie Monro, 

Dear Carrie Monro, 
And her friends will not forget 

Sweet Carrie Monro. 



Now those friends miss Carrie here, 
For she was loved both far and near. 

She has left them all in tears. 
Sweet Carrie Monro. 



70 The Sentimental Song Book 

Carrie's age was twenty-three, 
A married lady, too, was she — 

A mournful parting had to be. 
From Carrie 'Monro. 

It's just before her spirit fled 
Her husband stood by her bed; 

"Prove faithful, birdie, to me," said 
Sweet Carrie Monro. 

Sad will memory pass o'er 

That loved form that is no more- 
She's waiting on the other shore, 
Loved Carrie Monro. 



The Sentimental Song Book 71 



LITTLE MINNIE 

Air — "In the Cottage by the Sea'* 

Come listen to a painful story 

A mother is going to tell, 
For her heart is over-flowing 

For that one she loved so well. 
It's of a little infant daughter, 

Mild and lovely, bright and fair- 
She has left this world forever. 

Left this world of grief and care. 



CHORUS 

Alone, all alone 
In the grave yard she is sleeping, 

That little one we loved so well — 
God her little soul is keeping. 

For he doeth all things well. 



'J2 The Sentimental Song Book 

Oh! how sadly we*Il remember, 

On a bright and pleasant day — 
It was the very last of summer 

That her spirit fled away; 
Fled away from earth forever. 

Gone to dwell with Him above. 
Where little angels dwell together 

In His everlasting love. 



Oh! we miss our little Minnie, 

With blue eyes and flaxen hair— 
Oh, we loved our little Minnie, 

And we miss her everywhere ; 
Yes, we miss her at the table 

Every morning, noon and night, 
Where she sat with us together, 

For she was our heart's delight. 



On the twenty-fifth of August, 

Eighteen hundred and seventy-three, 

God he called her then to leave us, 
And a parting had to be. 



The Sentimental Song Book 73 

As the day it was declining, 
The sun was down behind the trees, 

Little Minnie she was dying, 
Her little soul it had to leave. 



Left this world of earthly trouble 

And her friends that loved her dear, 
Father, mother, sister, brother, 

Her place with them is vacant here. 
Her little soul is at rest forever 

In our Father's heavenly home, 
Her little form is sweetly sleeping 

In the cold and silent tomb. 



Oh! she was our eldest daughter. 

She was handsome to behold— 
Every one that knew her loved her, 

And her age was four years old. 
And we miss her merry laughter, 

Through the house she used to roam — 
That little one, we'll not forget her 

In our dear and loving home. 



74 The Sentimental Song Book 

Oh! how oft-times we have kissed her 

And caressed her little form — 
God of heaven knows we loved her 

From the day that she was born. 
On a day of independence, 

Eighteen hundred and sixty-nine, 
God he gave to us a present 

Of that little girl so fine. 



The Sentimental Song Book 75 



CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION 

In the year eighteen seventy-six, 

A Fourth of July celebration 
Was held in Grand Rapids city 

In honor to our nation. 
The largest city in the county of Kent, 

Is this city, and it is respected, 
For thousands of people was here to see 

The beautiful arch erected. 



The Centennial arch on Campau Place 

Was the most principal feature; 
It was a grand beautiful sight 

To all human sensitive creatures ; 
To all the people that loved to read 

The mottoes on it painted, 
The engravings, too, and tell 

What each one represented. 



76 The Sentimental Song Book 

The paintings and mottoes on the arch 

Was viewed by many people; 
It was Colonel Joseph Penney's design, 

And his work could not be equalled. 
Mr. C. H. Gifford was architect, 

He formed the noble structure, 
A memento to the Centennial year, 

A pride of our nation's culture. 



A cabin was built, too, I believe. 

That nicely represented 
One that the traders built years ago, 

This was the only one invented. 
Ten thousand people respected it, 

This token of early years, with pay; 
The honor of this little hut 

Was due to Mr. Godfroy. 



The stars and stripes was honored, too, 
For from a thousand windows waving. 

That dear old flag, red, white and blue, 
That's loved throughout our nation: 



The Sentimental Song Book yy 

That same flag for one hundred years 

Has waved over our nation; 
May God let it forever wave 

Over our Union celebration. 

The people in the city, friends, 

Was an honor to our nation, 
For they all joined heart and hand 

In our Union celebration. 
Some gave money, others labor, 

To maintain what was intended. 
It was a success, some people said, 

Who here that day attended. 

That day will never be forgot 
By the people of Kent county, 

God bless the people who joined that day 

. In the honor of our country. 

The people in the city, friends. 
Dearly loved this nation. 

For they saved no time or expense 
In our Centennial celebration. 



78 The Sentimental Song Book 



MARYETTE MYERS 
Am— "Lily of the West" 

Come all you sympathizing friends, wherever 

you may be, 
I pray you pay attention and listen unto me ; 
Por it's of a fair young lady, she died, she 

went to rest, 
She was called handsome Maryette, the lily of 

the west. 



Her name was Maryette Myers, and her age 

I do not know, ' 

Her cheeks were red as roses, her eyes were 

black as sloes; 
She was loved by all surrounding friends, and 

some that loved her best, 
They called her handsome Maryette, the lily 

of the west. 



The Sentimental Song Book 79 



She was a fair young damsel as ever you wish 

to see, 
And in the circle of her friends they miss 

her company; 
They miss the merry laughter of that loved 

one gone to rest, 
They called her handsome Maryette, the lily 
of the west. 

She was before the looking glass, poor girl, 

her hair to comb, 
She was taken blind, she nearly fell, she only 

gave a moan. 
Her friends they caught her in their- arms and 

laid her down to rest. 
She was the handsome Maryette, the lily of 

the west. 

She was away from home, and her mother 

dearlliad come 
To see her darling daughter, her dear loving 

one ; 
She left a true lover, a lover with the rest. 
That loved this handsome Maryette, the lily 

of the west. 



8o The Sentimental Song Book 

"She was buried on her wedding day,'* these 

words a friend gave, 
Her lover went as a mourner, a mourner to 

her grave, 
His name was Forest Dilly, a young man 

over west, 
He loved this handsome Maryette, the lily of 

the west. 



The Sentimental Song Book 8i 



THE DEAR OLD FLAG 

Oh! we love that dear old flag, 

That our forefathers gave 
Over one hundred years ago, boys. 

They once stood under that dear flag. 
But now they are in their graves, 

Sleeping their everlasting sleep, boys. 



CHORUS 

The Union forever. 

Hurrah, boys, hurrah; 
Down with the traitors, 

Up with the stars ; 
For we love that dear old flag 

That our fathers fought to save 
When they were fighting for our freedom. 



82 The Sentirnental Song Book 

We will rally around its standard 

Every Fourth day of July, 
For we dearly love our nation; 
. We love to see the stars and stripes 
A waving up on high 

Over our Union celebration. 

Three cheers for the Union 

And the red, white and blue, ' 
And our forefathers that formed the con^ 
stitution ; 

May the flag forever wave 
O'er our native land so true, 

May God protect our flag and nation. 



The Sentimental Song Book 83 



LIBBY PRISON 
Air—" The Soldier's Orphan Boy " 

Down south the Libby prison stood, 

The rebel's filthy den ; 
Rebs in battle prisoners took — 

Of course our union men. 
And our brave boys, hearty and hale, 

To prison had to go, 
And few have lived to tell the tale 

Of misery and woe. 

This prison was a horrid place, 

Many brave boys died there. 
In rags and filth and wretchedness, 

They died for want of care. 
Many a brave and noble man, 

As he lay sick and sore, 
Was thinking of his friends and home 

He never would see more. 



84 The Sentimental Song Book 



Fathers, brothers, young husbands dear 

Went through that prison door — 
Some lived to return home, we hear. 

And others are no more. 
Many a noble soldier died 

In Libby prison cell. 
And comrades perish'd side by side, 

As many a man can tell. 

No loving hand was near a couch 

To bathe an aching head — 
No loving friend to watch the hours. 

Or soothe their dying bed ; 
No friend to wipe the fallen tears 

From off the dewy face — 
No loving kindred was there near 

To mark their resting place. 



The Sentimental Song Book 85 



HATTIE HOUSE 

Am— 'Lily Dale" 

Come all kind friends, wherever you may be, 

Come listen to what I say. 
It's of a little girl that was pleasant to see, 

And she died while out doors at play. 

CHORUS 

Oh ! Hattie, dear Hattie, 

Sweet little Hattie House — 
May the flowers ever bloom o'er the little tomb. 

Of our loved one, Hattie House. 

She had blue eyes and light flaxen hair, 
Her little heart was light and gay. 

She said to her mother, that morning fair, 
"Mother, can I go o-ut and play?" 



S6 The Sentimental Song Book ^ 

Her mother tied her bonnet on. 
Not thinking it would be the last 

She would ever see her dear little one 
In this world, little Hattie House. 

She left the house, this dear little girl, 
On that bright and pleasant day — 

She went to play with two little girls 
That were near about her age. 

She was not gone but a little while 
When they heard her playmates call — 

Her friends hastened there to save the child, 
Alas, she wks dead and gone. 

Those little girls will not forget 

The day little Hattie died, 
For she was with them when she fell in a fit. 

While playing by their side. 

She was her parents' only child, 
And her age was near six years, 

And now she has left them for a while — 
Left all her friends in tears. 



The Sentimental Song Book Sy 

She has left this world of grief and woe. 
Dear friends, she has left behind — 

She is waiting on the other shore, 
To meet them bye and bye. 

One fine morning, the fifth of July, 
The summer flowers were in bloom, 

Eighteen seventy-one, little Hattie died, 
And is sleeping in her tomb. 



88 The Sentimental Song Book 



LITTLE SUSAN 
Am— '"The Pride of Caldair" 

Once there was a little girl 

And her friends loved her dear — 
Her parents loved their little one, 

She did their hearts cheer. 
They loved their little darling. 

As with them she did roam, 
They called her little Susan, 

The pride of their home. 

Blue eyes had little Susan, 

And light flaxen hair, 
And she was a pleasant child to see. 

So beautiful and fair. 
With her parents she will never more 

On earth with them roarri' — 
They loved their little Susan, 

The pride of their home. 



The Sentimental Song Book 89 

Her parents had more children. 

There were nine of them all — 
There are eight of them living, 

For God but one called. 
The flower of their family 

God called to his home, 
It was their little Susan, 

The pride of their home. 

Her friends will not forget her, 

Though she died years ago — 
It was John H. Moore's daughter, 

Her age was four years old. 
She is waiting in heaven, 

Waiting for her friends to come 
And be with their little Susan, 

The pride of their home. 



90 The Sentimental Song Book 

YOUNG HENRY 
Air — "Drummer Boy of Waterloo" 

Young Henry was as faithful boy 
As ever stood on the American soil, 
And he did enlist, without a doubt, 
When the rebellion was broke out. 

He was his parents' only son, 
And only child he was but one. 
That was a girl aged seventeen, 
Henry called her his May Queen. 

Young Henry said, "Dear sister May, 
What do you think my friends will say? 
For now my name is on the roll. 
And I down south will have to go." 

"I hear my country's call," said he, 

"For all her sons of liberty, 

And I, forever, will prove true 

To that dear old flag, red, white and blue. 



The Sentimental Song Book 91 



"I love my father and mother dear, 
I leave you, May, their hearts to cheer; 
When I am gone, pray do not mourn 
If I should never return home." 



His sister then to him did say, 
"My only brother, blithe and gay, 
Our country calls, calls from afar; 
May God protect you through the war.' 



Their father hearing all was said, 
It made his noble heart grov/ sad ; 
"My children, I love both of you, 
And yet I love my country, too. 



"My son, if I was young again, 
I never could at home remain. 
And see my native land, now free. 
Dissolved and made in slavery." 



92 The Sentimental Song Book 

Young Henry left his father's home, 
And left his friends for him to mourn, 
A captain of a little band. 
He marched away from Michigan. 

In the battle of Fredericksburg, 

Above the battle roar was heard, 

"Fight on! fight on! brave boys," he cried, 

"I am shot and wounded, and must die." 

They placed his head upon the grass. 
So he could see his brave boys pass; 
"Go tell my father, Henry's slain "" 

To keep him from the rebel's chain." 

They dug his grave beneath that spot,^ 
They wrapped him in his soldier's coat, 
And while the battle drums they heard. 
They laid him low at Fredericksburg. 



The Sentimental Song Book 93 

ASHTABULA DISASTER 
Air — "Gently Down the Stream of Time'* 

Have you heard of the dreadful fate 

Of Mr. P. P. Bliss and wife? 
Of their death I will relate, 

And also others lost their life; 
Ashtabula Bridge disaster, 

Where so many people died 
Without a thought that destruction 

Would plunge them 'neath the wheel of tide. 

CHORUS 

Swiftly passed the engine's call, 
Hastening souls on to death, 

Warning not one of them all; 
It brought despair right and left. 

Among the ruins are many friends, 
Crushed to death amidst the roar; 

On one thread all may depend. 
And hope they've reached the other shore.. 



94 The Sentimental Song Book 

P. P. Bliss showed great devotion 
To his faithful wife, his pride, 

When he saw that she must perish, 
He died a martyr by her side. 



P. P. BHss went home above — 

Left all friends, earth and fame, 
To rest in God's holy love; 

Left on earth his work and name. 
The people love his work by numbers, 

It is read by great and small. 
He by it will be remembered. 

He has left it for us all. 



His good name from time to time 

Will rise on land and sea; 
It is known in distant climes. 

Let it echo wide and free. 
One good man among the number. 

Found sweet rest in a short time. 
His weary soul may sweetly slumber 

Within the vale, heaven sublime. 



RD - 17 



The Sentimental Song Book 95 

Destruction lay on every side. 

Confusion, fire and despair; 
No help, no hope, so they died. 

Two hundred people over there. 
Many ties was there broken, 

Many a heart was filled with pain. 
Each one left a little token, 

For above they live again. 



MAY 20 1912 




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